5 WAYS TO SLASH YOUR BUDGET THIS MONTH
Eat From Your Pantry: Instead of going shopping each week for groceries, make a point of eating only from your pantry. Go through what is in your refrigerator, pantry shelves or freezer. This may lead to some unusual meal combinations, different breakfast items, or perhaps you cooking from scratch more often than usual. The key is to avoid spending any extra if not necessary.
Cut Back Technology: Do you have extra large data plans on phones? What about extra channels on your satellite or cable subscription? This month call and negotiate for lower rates, cut back or cancel altogether. Many people are finding that pre-paid phone programs are much cheaper for their family. The same goes for those who have dropped cable and begun using streaming subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime. I now use this cell service provider to drastically reduced my monthly cell phone bill.
Don’t Eat Out: Sure you may already do this, but what about that morning cup of coffee at the gas station? Or lunch with the gals at work? Perhaps you find a trap of grabbing ready made meals at the grocery store? All of those are things that can be avoided and save you money if you prep at home first. Brew your own coffee. Pack a lunch and take with you. Use your Crockpot or Freezer Meals to
help you avoid last minute take out. When you do eat out be sure to use these offers to save up to 50% off your total bill.
Negotiate New Rates: Have you checked with your insurance companies this year for new rates? If not you may be paying more than you have to. Years without traffic accidents or tickets often mean lower rates. The same goes for growing older, cars aging and even adding an additional car to your plan. There are tons of rate changes each year that you may be missing out on. Not only ask about your current providers rates, but compare to other companies and change if needed.
Change To Levelized Billing: Do you find your electric bill is larger in the winter than summer? Perhaps it is the opposite. Have you checked into levelized billing? Contact your local utility company and consider choosing a levelized billing cycle to help make your bill the same each month. This usually takes the average cost of your bill from the prior year and calculates to include higher and lower months. For many this ends up being a much lower monthly bill.
These simple things are all great easy ways to slash your budget this month. Not only can they free up money for other bills and debt to be paid down, they are a great way to simply stay living within your means. This month pick up the phone and make a few phone calls, or changes in your routine to create a lower budget for your household.
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